Queen celebrates 20th anniversary of Scottish Parliament

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近日,苏格兰议会成立20周年,93岁的女王亲临荷里路德宫发表演说。她强调议会的本质:是"讨论"的场所,也是"倾听"的场所!

Presiding officer, First Minister, Members of the Scottish Parliament, the Duke of Rothesay and I are pleased to join you today in marking the 20th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament.

We fondly remember that proud day when new members gathered in the assembly hall to celebrate Scotland's first Parliament in three hundred years.

I have noted on previous occasions my great affection for Scotland and the many happy and personal connections I enjoy with this wonderful country.

It has been with great pleasure that over the years I have watched Scotland grow and prosper, and have been with you at each stage of your parliamentary life including all landmark occasions such as today.

20 years on, this chamber continues to be at the centre of Scottish life, as an important forum to engage and unite diverse communities, and also a home for passionate debate and discussion.

Through new initiatives, you continue to strive to be responsive and accountable to the people you serve, and to engage and involve those who might not otherwise participate in political debate.

It is perhaps worth reflecting that at the heart of the word "Parliament" lies its original meaning-a place to talk.

I have no doubt that for most of these last 20 years, this striking chamber has provided exactly that a place to talk.

But of course, it must also be a place to listen, a place to hear views that inevitably may differ quite considerably one from another, and a place to honor those views.

In turn, this occasion today gives us all an opportunity to honor those who helped turn talk into action, not just members of the Scottish Parliament but all those behind the scenes, the many unseen, unsung individuals who are not afforded recognition by the nature of their role in Parliament but who nonetheless joined together to support parliamentary work in the service of others and the success of the nation as a whole.

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